Decorative device

ABSTRACT

A device for providing a kinetic decoration. There is a vessel and a base. The vessel includes a support coupled to an interior the vessel; a decoration disposed internal the vessel and over the support; a fluid disposed internal the vessel; a plurality of particles disposed in the fluid; and a first magnetic coupling member rotatably attached to the underside of the support and not in substantial direct physical contact with an interior bottom of the vessel. The base is configured to support the vessel and provide motive power thereto. The base includes a motor disposed within the base; a plurality of lights disposed about a lip of the base; a control module to control electronic components of the device; and a second magnetic coupling member rotatably attached to the motor and magnetically coupled to the first magnetic coupling member. An interior bottom of the vessel is concave.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to decorative devices, specifically, to globe-type decorative devices.

2. Description of the Related Art

Decorative devices have been used for centuries to amuse, calm, delight, and otherwise benefit human-kind. Such devices are often used in connection with celebrating holidays, achievements, victories, and associations. One particularly successful type of decorative device includes snow-globe type devices that generally include a transparent globe including a fluid, a display, and particles that may be dispersible within the fluid. In many instances, the particles and/or display are configured to simulate snowfall, thus the name “snow-globe.”

Attempts have been made to improve such devices. In one example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,282,820 to White et al. teaches, a fluid filled novelty amusement device with a magnetic impeller driven by an electric motor, through a magnetic couple created between a magnetic rotor and the magnetic impeller that provides forced circulating fluid flow that entrains and disperses ornamental particles throughout a transparent enclosure to provide viewing entertainment.

Also, U.S. Pat. No. 6,722,064 to Knapp et al. teaches, an active display device includes a motorized base and a transparent display. The base unit includes a magnetic drive, which communicates magnetically with a magnetically attractive rotor or agitator in the bottom of the display unit to circulate the fluid within the display unit and any particulate matter mixed therein. The purely magnetic communication between base and display eliminates all mechanical passages therebetween, thereby precluding potential leakage routes from the display component and permitting the display to be readily removed and replaced atop the base. The display may include a magnetically movable floor or other panel, if desired, with the floor panel disposed between the magnetic rotor and the display having a series of passages therethrough to permit liquid circulation, but precluding passage of particles beneath the floor to the rotor, area. The base may include numerous additional features, such as an audio system, remote actuation, lighting, etc.

In many instances, such attempts fail to provide a decorative device having soundless stirring, more desirable particulate movement, integrated, enhanced and/or controlled light and sound and kinetic art. For example, particle movement may deviate from a desired speed, path, consistency, etc.. In another example, there may be a lack of appropriate lighting, especially directed to an underside of a display and or to the plurality of particles. In another example, there is no sound and/or no colored light directed into the globe.

What is needed is a decorative device that solves one or more of the problems described herein and/or one or more problems that may come to the attention of one skilled in the art upon becoming familiar with this specification.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention has been developed in response to the present state of the art, and in particular, in response to the problems and needs in the art that have not yet been fully solved by currently available decorative devices. Accordingly, the present invention has been developed to provide a decorative device.

In one embodiment of the invention, there is a device for providing a kinetic decoration. The decorative device may include a vessel configured to enclose and display. The vessel may include a support coupled to an interior the vessel; a decoration disposed internal the vessel and over the support; a fluid disposed internal the vessel; a plurality of particles disposed in the fluid; and/or a first magnetic coupling member rotatably attached to the underside of the support and not in substantial direct physical contact with an interior bottom of the vessel.

The decorative device may include a base configured to support the vessel and provide motive power thereto. The base may include a motor disposed within the base; and/or a second magnetic coupling member rotatably attached to the motor and magnetically coupled to the first magnetic coupling member when the vessel is supported by the base.

Further, it may be that an interior bottom of the vessel is concave. Also, the base may further comprise a plurality of lights disposed about a lip of the base. It may be that the base and support together substantially obscure vision of the first magnetic coupling member from exterior the device. More, the plurality of lights may be optically coupled to the vessel when the vessel is supported by the base. The vessel may be separable from the base. The vessel may include a base plug that may be coupled to a substantially transparent shell. The base may include a speaker module. The base may include a control module that may be configured to control one or more electronic components of the device according to a pattern.

In another embodiment, there is a device for providing a kinetic decoration. The device may include a vessel that may be configured to enclose and display. The vessel may include a support coupled to an interior the vessel; a fluid disposed internal the vessel; and/or a plurality of particles disposed in the fluid. The device may include a base configured to support the vessel. The device may include a plurality of lights disposed about a lip of the base and optically coupled to the vessel.

It may be that the interior bottom of the vessel is concave. It may be that the plurality of lights are colored. There may also be included first and second magnetic coupling members magnetically coupled and configured to transfer kinetic energy into the vessel, wherein the base and support together substantially obscure vision of the first magnetic coupling member from exterior the device. More, the vessel may be separable from the base. Also, the plurality of lights may be optically couple to the vessel when the vessel is supported by the base. The vessel may further comprise a base plug coupled to a substantially transparent shell. The base may further include a speaker module. The base may further include a control module that may be configured to control one or more electronic components of the device according to a pattern accessible to the control module.

In still another embodiment, there may be a device for providing a kinetic decoration. The device may include a vessel configured to enclose and display. The vessel may include a support coupled to an interior the vessel; a decoration disposed internal the vessel and over the support; a fluid disposed internal the vessel; a plurality of particles disposed in the fluid; and/or a first magnetic coupling member rotatably attached to the underside of the support and not in substantial direct physical contact with a concave interior bottom of the vessel. The device may include a base configured to support the vessel and provide motive power thereto. The base may include a motor disposed within the base; and/or a second magnetic coupling member rotatably attached to the motor and magnetically coupled to the first magnetic coupling member when the vessel is supported by the base. The base may further include a plurality of lights disposed about a lip of the base and optically coupled to the vessel.

Reference throughout this specification to features, advantages, or similar language does not imply that all of the features and advantages that may be realized with the present invention should be or are in any single embodiment of the invention. Rather, language referring to the features and advantages is understood to mean that a specific feature, advantage, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, discussion of the features and advantages, and similar language, throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, refer to the same embodiment.

Furthermore, the described features, advantages, and characteristics of the invention may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that the invention can be practiced without one or more of the specific features or advantages of a particular embodiment. In other instances, additional features and advantages may be recognized in certain embodiments that may not be present in all embodiments of the invention.

These features and advantages of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the invention as set forth hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order for the advantages of the invention to be readily understood, a more particular description of the invention briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments that are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of a decorative device according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates a partial cross sectional side view of a decorative device according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3 illustrates an exploratory side view of the lower portion of a decorative device according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4 illustrates a top internal view of the lower portion of a decorative device according to one embodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 5 illustrates a top view of the lower portion of a decorative device according to one embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the exemplary embodiments illustrated in the drawings, and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended. Any alterations and further modifications of the inventive features illustrated herein, and any additional applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated herein, which would occur to one skilled in the relevant art and having possession of this disclosure, are to be considered within the scope of the invention.

Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment.

Many of the functional units described in this specification have been labeled as modules, in order to more particularly emphasize their implementation independence. For example, a module may be implemented as a hardware circuit comprising custom VLSI circuits or gate arrays, off-the-shelf semiconductors such as logic chips, transistors, or other discrete components. A module may also be implemented in programmable hardware devices such as field programmable gate arrays, programmable array logic, programmable logic devices or the like.

Modules may also be implemented in software for execution by various types of processors. An identified module of executable code may, for instance, comprise one or more physical or logical blocks of computer instructions which may, for instance, be organized as an object, procedure, or function. Nevertheless, the executables of an identified module need not be physically located together, but may comprise disparate instructions stored in different locations which, when joined logically together, comprise the module and achieve the stated purpose for the module.

Indeed, a module of executable code may be a single instruction, or many instructions, and may even be distributed over several different code segments, among different programs, and across several memory devices. Similarly, operational data may be identified and illustrated herein within modules, and may be embodied in any suitable form and organized within any suitable type of data structure. The operational data may be collected as a single data set, or may be distributed over different locations including over different storage devices, and may exist, at least partially, merely as electronic signals on a system or network.

FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of a decorative device 10 according to one embodiment of the invention. The illustrated decorative device 10 may be a magnetically impelled decorative device. The illustrated decorative device 10 includes a lower portion 12 and a top portion 19. The lower portion 12 includes a lip 13. The lip 13 cradles the top portion 19 and may hide the elements (not shown) underneath a decorative member 15.

The illustrated top portion 19 includes a vessel 14 containing a fluid 11, disposed within the top portion 19, and a decorative element 16. Disposed within the fluid 11 are a plurality of particles 18. The decorative element 16 comprises the decorative member 15 supported by a decorative base 21 (see FIG. 2). In the illustrated. embodiment the decorative member 15 comprises a butterfly supported by a support structure. It is envisioned that the decorative member 15 may be embodied in any form, including but not limited to sculptural works, light displays, color displays, and animated displays.

FIG. 2 illustrates a partial cross sectional side view of a top portion 19 of a magnetically impelled decorative device 10 according to one embodiment of the invention. The top portion 19 includes a vessel 14, preferably of a translucent or transparent material such as glass or plastic, attached to a base plug 24 with a seal 22. The vessel 14, base plug 24 and seal 22 enclose a fluid 11, a plurality of particles 18, and a decorative element 16.

The plurality of particles 18 are disposed within the fluid 11. The decorative element 16, also disposed within the fluid 11, includes a decorative member 15 supported by a decorative base 21. A support 26 supportably couples the decorative base 21 to the base plug 24. The decorative base 21 includes a first axle 27 rotatably attached to an underside 21 b of the decorative base 21 and a first magnetic coupling member 28 fixedly attached to the first axle 27. There are surfaces 29 configured to facilitate transfer of motion from the first magnetic coupling member 28 to the fluid 11. The surfaces 29 may be fins, paddles, or some other structure configured to advantageously interact with the fluid, or merely the surface area of the first magnetic coupling member 28. Further, where the first magnetic coupling member 28 is not affixed directly to the base plug 24, less sound will be produced during operation outside the device 10. The seal 22 couples the base plug 24 to the vessel 14 at a top base portion 25 of the top portion 19.

In operation, the first magnetic coupling member 28 rotates in the fluid 11 about the first axle 27. This rotation stirs the fluid 11, causing the plurality of particles 18 to move within the vessel 14, in particular around the decorative element 16. When the first magnetic coupling member 28 is not in rotation and the fluid 11 is no longer in motion, the plurality of particles 18 may collect between the decorative base 21 and the bottom concave portion of a support 26, including under the first magnetic coupling member 28. The legs of the support 26, preferably comprising three or four leg structures, support the decorative base 21 at least sufficiently distant from the concave portion of the support such that the first magnetic coupling member 28 may rotate freely about the first axle 27. Because the first axle 27 connects the first magnetic coupling member 28 to the bottom 21 b of the decorative base 21 and not the bottom of the support 26, the plurality of particles 18 may not significantly interfere with further rotation of neither the first magnetic coupling member 28 nor the first axle 27. In particular, one advantage is that the plurality of particles 18 are less likely to interfere with the functioning of first axle 27. Further, the concave configuration of the interface between the support 26 and the base plug 24 enhances particulate motion caused by motion of the first magnetic coupling member 28. In particular, particulate motion less resembles a “tornado” and more resembles “snowfall.”

FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of the lower portion 12 of a magnetically impelled decorative device 10 (see FIG. 1) according to one embodiment of the invention. The illustrated lower portion 12 includes a lip 13, a well 42, lights 44, a second magnetic coupling device, or member 46, a second axle 41, and a motor 48. The well 42 is configured to cradle the top portion 19 (See FIG. 1). The lights 44 illuminate the top portion 19. The motor 48 drives the second axle 41, which transfers power from the motor to rotate the second magnetic coupling member 46 fixedly attached thereto.

In operation, the motor 48 causes the second magnetic coupling member 46 to rotate about the second axle 41. Magnetic fields (not shown) from the second magnetic coupling member 46 interact with magnetic fields (not shown) from the first magnetic coupling member 28 (see FIG. 2) imparting energy to the first magnetic coupling member 28 and thereby causing the first magnetic coupling member 28 to rotate about the first axle 27 (see FIG. 2). The outer surface area of the first magnetic coupling member 28 displaces portions of the fluid 11, imparting kinetic energy to portions of the fluid 11, thereby causing the plurality of particles 18 to move within the fluid 11.

FIG. 4 illustrates a top internal view of the lower portion 12 of a magnetically impelled decorative device 10 in one embodiment. The lower portion 12 includes a second battery pack 52 having batteries 54, a first battery pack 58 having batteries (not shown), a motor 48, a second magnetic coupling member 46, a controller chip 57 and speakers 56. The batteries 54 supply power to the motor 48. The first batteries of the battery pack 58 supply power to the controller chip 57, the speakers 56 and the lights 44 (see FIG. 4). The motor 48 rotates the second magnetic coupling member 46. The controller chip 57 may control the motor 48, the lights 44 (see FIG. 3) and/or the speakers 56. Additionally, the controller chip 57 may serve as memory storage.

FIG. 5 illustrates a top view of the lower portion 12 of a magnetically impelled decorative device 10 according to one embodiment of the invention. The illustrated lower portion 12 includes lights 44, a lip 13, a motor 48 and a second magnetic coupling member 46. The lights 44 are configured to surround the top base portion 25 (see FIG. 2) and are configured to illuminate portions of the top portion 19 (see FIG. 1). Further, the lights 44 are configured to optically couple to the vessel 14 (see FIG. 1) and may be of a material with substantially the same refractive index as the vessel 14 for enhanced light transfer from the lights 44 to the vessel 14. The lip 13 and the decorative base 21 (see FIG. 2) may conceal the first magnetic coupling member 28.

It is understood that the above-described embodiments are only illustrative of the application of the principles of the present invention. The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiment is to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claim rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced Within their scope.

For example, although the vessel is shown as a globe, other shapes are envisioned, including but not limited to cubes, octahedrons, dodecahedrons and any other three dimensional shapes including toroidal shapes and shapes having arms extending therefrom.

It is also envisioned that fiber optics may be included in the device. For example, fiber optics may pipe light from the base up into the vessel which light then may be a part of the decorative element. Further, the interface between the top portion and the lower portion may include detachable joints wherein the top portion fiber optic display components may detachably attach to a light source or to a structure of fiber optic components in the lower portion, thereby powering a light display within the vessel. Further, there may be fiber optic display components creating a second decorative element on the lower portion, or merely decorating the lower portion.

Additionally, although the figures illustrate the device being powered by batteries, it is envisioned that any number of means known in the art or any combination of those means, including chemical power sources, standard household electrical supplies, solar power, wind power, human power, and power diverted or drawn from attached devices, may power the device.

It is also envisioned that there may be any number of particles in the device and that the particles may be active, reactive, of any size, shape, color or texture.

It is expected that there could be numerous variations of the design of this invention. An example is that the device may be inverted wherein the top portion and the lower portion may be fixed together. Another example is that the lower portion may not be enclosed, may be clear, and/or may be only a ring around the top base portion.

Additionally, while a base plug and seal are disclosed, any means to seal the fluid within the structure may be used. For example, the vessel may completely enclose all of the components of the top portion. Also, the seal is not limited to being a sealing substance but may represent a sealing interface structure between the base plug and the vessel, or it may be an interaction between the materials of the vessel and the base plug. For example, the vessel may be glass and the base plug may be rubber or plastic.

It is envisioned that the decorative element or decorative member may include animated, moving, geared, free floating, tethered, hinged, or otherwise kinetic components. Further, there may be additional magnetic coupling members. Further, power may be drawn from motion of the first magnetic coupling member, or other magnetic coupling members, to activate, energize, or otherwise power other components enclosed within the vessel. This power coupling may include gears or additional magnetic coupling members that may increase spin speed, decrease spin speed or otherwise change qualities of the spinning motion of the magnetic coupling members. Additionally, components may draw power for animation or other kinetic or visual display from the flow of the fluid. For example, flags may wave in the current of the fluid.

It is also envisioned that the support structure may suspend the decorative element from the top of the inside of the vessel. For example, there may be ultra-fine tethers attached at one end to various points inside the vessel and at another end to portions of the decorative element such that the decorative element is properly spaced within the vessel. This suspension may rigidly suspend the decorative element, or it may allow the decorative element certain freedoms of motion such as bouncing, swinging, swaying and/or rotating.

It is also envisioned that the controller chip may be a computer or any other means of controlling the speakers and/or the lights. The controller chip may include a memory storage device such as RAM or a CD.

Finally, it is envisioned that the components of the device may be constructed of a variety of materials, including glass, resin, plastic, metal, ceramic and composite.

Thus, while the present invention has been fully described above with particularity and detail in connection with what is presently deemed to be the most practical and preferred embodiment of the invention, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that numerous modifications, including, but not limited to, variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use may be made, without departing from the principles and concepts of the invention as set forth in the claims. For example, while various parts of the invention have been described in detail, it is apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that each described component may be comprised of additional components that may be constructed separately. Further, separately described components may also be constructed together or as single pieces. 

1. A device for providing a kinetic decoration, comprising: a vessel configured to enclose and display, including: a support coupled to an interior the vessel; a decoration disposed internal the vessel and over the support; a fluid disposed internal the vessel; a plurality of particles disposed in the fluid; and a first magnetic coupling member rotatably attached to the underside of the support and not in substantial direct physical contact with an interior bottom of the vessel; and a base configured to support the vessel and provide motive power thereto, having: a motor disposed within the base; and a second magnetic coupling member rotatably attached to the motor and magnetically coupled to the first magnetic coupling member when the vessel is supported by the base.
 2. The device of claim 1, wherein the interior bottom of the vessel is concave.
 3. The device of claim 1, wherein the base further comprises a plurality of lights disposed about a lip of the base.
 4. The device of claim 1, wherein the base and support together substantially obscure vision of the first magnetic coupling member from exterior the device.
 5. The device of claim 3, wherein the plurality of lights optically couple to the vessel when the vessel is supported by the base.
 6. The device of claim 1, wherein the vessel is separable from the base.
 7. The device of claim 1, wherein the vessel further comprises a base plug coupled to a substantially transparent shell.
 8. The device of claim 1, wherein the base further comprises a speaker.
 9. The device of claim 1, wherein the base further comprises a control module configured to control one or more electronic components of the device according to a pattern.
 10. A device for providing a kinetic decoration, comprising: a vessel configured to enclose and display, including: a support coupled to an interior the vessel; a fluid disposed internal the vessel; and a plurality of particles disposed in the fluid; and a base configured to support the vessel; and plurality of lights disposed about a lip of the base and optically coupled to the vessel.
 11. The device of claim 10, wherein the interior bottom of the vessel is concave.
 12. The device of claim 11, wherein the plurality of lights are colored.
 13. The device of claim 12, further comprising first and second magnetic coupling members magnetically coupled and configured to transfer kinetic energy into the vessel, wherein the base and support together substantially obscure vision of the first magnetic coupling member from exterior the device.
 14. The device of claim 13, wherein the vessel is separable from the base.
 15. The device of claim 14, wherein the plurality of lights optically couple to the vessel when the vessel is supported by the base.
 16. The device of claim 15, wherein the vessel further comprises a base plug coupled to a substantially transparent shell.
 17. The device of claim 16, wherein the base further comprises a speaker module.
 18. The device of claim 17, wherein the base further comprises a control module configured to control one or more electronic components of the device according to a pattern accessible to the control module.
 19. A device for providing a kinetic decoration, comprising: a vessel configured to enclose and display, including: a support coupled to an interior the vessel; a decoration disposed internal the vessel and over the support; a fluid disposed internal the vessel; a plurality of particles disposed in the fluid; and a first magnetic coupling member rotatably attached to the underside of the support and not in substantial direct physical contact with a concave interior bottom of the vessel; and a base configured to support the vessel and provide motive power thereto, having: a motor disposed within the base; and a second magnetic coupling member rotatably attached to the motor and magnetically coupled to the first magnetic coupling member when the vessel is supported by the base.
 20. The device of claim 19, wherein the base further comprises a plurality of lights disposed about a lip of the base and optically coupled to the vessel. 